Starting from billboards, to covers to fashion spreads of magazines and newspapers, their graceful presence enchants us. They are fashion models who have become more than just a face to admire; sensuously walking the runway, becoming the face of brands, and moulding into a wide range of roles in the glamorous world of fashion and style.
The world of modelling encompasses more than just standing in front of the camera. Behind the scenes, they have learnt to handle the chaos of the green room, and make the visions of the choreographer a reality while maintaining an elegant demeanour. There lies a common misconception that this profession does not require the same level of dedication and discipline as in other industries. While many of us have the shelter of our office- these individuals always face the world and it’s never ending wave of scrutiny.
In order to make your mark amongst designers, photographers, and advertisement agencies, you must be determined to take the shoe by the heel and get to the top. Keeping this in mind, ICE Today is here to show you that it takes more than just a pretty face to make it in the competitive world of fashion.
Concept by Tawhidur Rashid
Methodology by Goutom Saha and Natasha Rahman
Tabulations by Khandokar Asif Sulaiman
How the ranking was done
With the emergence of the fashion industry in Bangladesh, the models too have reached great heights outside their comfort zones. However, when it comes to representing the country in the international forefront, we could only select a handful of eligible candidates. In a country that is yet to offer, institutionalised grooming, their success is undeniable.
Therefore, to take our modeling industry to the next level, we at ICE TODAY, wanted to identify the areas in which our models are excelling and propose areas which call for development.
The evaluation was conducted via the following method:
1. The criteria of ranking were: Presence in ICE Today’s Cover (Score: 10), ICE Today’s Fashion Portfolio (Score: 7), Brand Endorsements (Score: 7), Versatility as a Model (Score: 5), Other Accomplishments – walking the ramp (Score: 5), acting in TVCs/dramas (Score: 5), films (Score: 10); participating in beauty pageants (Score: 5); presence in other magazine covers (Scores: 5) as well as Fan Base in Social Media (Score: 5).
2) A total of 50 male and female models were ranked and the most sought-after faces were chosen from the highest to the lowest score, in descending order.
3) ICE Today 2016’s fashion portfolios were taken into consideration for the ranking.
4) Facebook promotions of brands were noted down and models’ presence were identified for their scoring for endorsements.
5) Top 20 models were further inquired of via phone interviews to chart down their various other accomplishments.
6) Facebook fan followers were measured as of December 26, 2016.
7) ICE Today editors scored the models in the category of versatility based on their experiences of working with them throughout the years.
Five choreographers, namely Azra, Ruma, Mukul, Emu Hashmi and Luna were taken into consideration to measure the ramp presence of top 20 male and female models.
FEMALE MODELS
Peya Jannatul
Meghla
Isha Yeasmin
Riba
Methela
Sunerah
Spriha
Mili
Oshin
Amile
Our Findings
The ranking has enriched us with some interesting observations, which we believe the models, choreographers, fashion and style brands and agencies should take into consideration.
1. There are models that have good scores by being on the cover of ICE Today and other renowned magazines but fail to flaunt a good number of followers on social media. We would like to suggest them to take this seriously. Having a good number of followers on social media, be it all by themselves or through an agent or agency, will enable them to connect with more fans and followers which ultimately will increase their face value when it comes to endorsing a brand. In Bangladesh, Facebook and Instagram are the most popular social media, where models can connect with their fans.
2. Versatility was one of the main criteria where ICE Today editors gave scores to the models. The fashion department, based on their year-long experiences on working with all these models noticed that only a few handful of models are fit for all sorts of fashion portfolio (be it traditional or western). Since there are no particular grooming facilities for these models, many of them are not even aware of the importance of trying different looks, which enhances their chances to be chosen by brands.
3. We were happy to find out that a good number of leading models have commendable accomplishments other than modelling for brands or walking the ramp. Their involvement in television commercials or in performing arts enabled them to ensure better fan following. This also testifies that they are multitalented and when provided with the right opportunity, they can become stars.
4. Speaking with different quarters of the fashion and modelling industry, we came to know that models are being chosen by brands based on their presence in magazines and newspapers fashion pages as well as availability for many ramp shows. Besides, affiliation with photographers and choreographers can also land them better opportunities of endorsements. This is why models must follow magazines and newspapers which have been dedicatedly working in fashion and style and maintain good rapport with industry stalwarts, not only to learn from the best but also to attain opportunities that can prove to their ticket to stardom.
5. The ranking of models is not to undermine any model. Rather, we believe this ranking is a beginning to understanding how hard they work throughout the year to materialise their dreams. Bangladesh is a country where we are yet to have professional modelling agencies grooming or endorsing models with particular brands. Many a times models take up offers, because they are considerate enough not to turn them down. This budding industry needs to have a proper structure where models will earn their dues, both financially and socially.
MALE MODELS
Nahid
Azim
Raaz
Shariful Razz
Tanzim Imran
Iftekhar Zaib
Itmam
Rupom
Shawon SF
Hannan
